Glaucoma Treatment St. Louis, MO
“Dr. Nancy Buscher is the best!!”
— K, 5-Star Review
- Dr. Buchser specializes in glaucoma treatment
- Full-spectrum diagnostics, from tonometry to nerve scans
- Advanced treatment options including MIGS and SLT
- Most plans accepted, including Medicare and HMOs
Meet Glaucoma Specialist Nancy Buchser
Avoiding compromised vision due to glaucoma requires personalized guidance from a qualified physician. That's why Cohen Eye Associates is proud to have glaucoma specialist Nancy Buchser on our team.
Dr. Buchser’s qualifications include:
- Medical doctorate with research distinction
- Internship at the University of Miami
- Ocular pathology fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
- Glaucoma research fellowship at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
- Ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
- Glaucoma fellowship training at Washington University in St. Louis
Professional memberships:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Glaucoma Society
- St. Louis Ophthalmological Society
“Nancy Buchser M.D., is an outstanding ophthalmologist!”
"I had seen several other Opthamologists for Glaucoma but my condition worsened. Under Dr. Buchser's care my condition has dramatically improved. Thank you Dr. Buchser!"
— T, 5-Star Review
Get In Touch with Dr. Buscher!
Schedule an Exam at Cohen Eye Associates
Bruce Cohen, MD, and glaucoma specialist Nancy M. Buchser, MD, are highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases, including glaucoma.
Don't risk permanent vision loss; if you experience a sudden change in vision or any other symptoms indicative of glaucoma, reach out to us immediately to book an exam. Or, if you are not currently undergoing regular eye exams, let our ophthalmology practice start providing the ongoing checkups you need. Schedule an appointment today either by using our online form or by calling our St. Louis, MO, practice. We serve patients from both the city and suburbs like Chesterfield, MO, a call:
Insurance Coverage
Glaucoma treatments are usually covered by medical insurance. Cohen Eye Associates accepts many HMO and PPO plans, and is a participating Medicare provider. We also offer affordable financing through CareCredit® for qualifying patients. If you're unsure of your coverage, our friendly staff can answer your questions and file the appropriate forms on your behalf.
Surgical Procedures Offered at Our Practice to Slow the Progression of Glaucoma
Our ophthalmologists offer several surgeries for glaucoma at our clinic, serving patients across St. Louis, MO, and surrounding suburbs like Chesterfield.
Patients Love Dr. Buscher
"The staff is very efficient. My doctor, Nancy Buchser, MD, is the best. She was highly recommended and she is very concerned about the accuracy she gives her diagnosis. Her doctor/patient relationship is wonderful."
— Don, 5-Star Review
Glaucoma 101 A Condition Manageable with Dr. Buscher's Help
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. It is often (but not always) caused by excess fluid in the eye, which creates an increase in intraocular pressure that damages the optic nerve.
The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma, which progresses slowly over many years due to the gradual clogging of the eye drainage channels. Other types of the eye disease include acute angle-closure glaucoma, which is rare but causes a rapid increase in eye pressure; secondary glaucoma, linked to underlying eye conditions; and congenital glaucoma, a rare type affecting very young children.
While there is no cure for glaucoma, early treatment can prevent vision loss and control the condition.
Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?
Anyone who is over 60, has a family history of the eye disease, or is nearsighted may face a higher risk of developing symptoms. Other risk factors include eye trauma, heart disease, high blood pressure, and having thin corneas.
Source: American Optometric Association
Diagnosing Glaucoma
If you are experiencing glaucoma symptoms, vision loss, or other changes in your vision, book an eye exam as soon as possible. However, even if you are not experiencing symptoms, it is extremely important to undergo regular eye exams. That's because many symptoms won't present until some irreversible vision loss has occurred.
Unless otherwise directed by an ophthalmologist, you should undergo a general eye exam:
- Every five to 10 years between the ages of 20 and 40
- Every two to four years between the ages of 40 to 54
- Every one to three years between the ages of 55 and 64
During your exam, your ophthalmologist will review your medical history and perform a number of tests:
- Tonometry: Measurement of eye pressure using a special device
- Dilated Eye Exam and Imaging Tests: Assessment of the optic nerve using tools such as a slit lamp
- Visual Field Test: Detection of any changes in your visual field using a simple eye chart and other tests
- Pachymetry: Measurement of corneal thickness using ultrasound and other tools
- Gonioscopy: Assessment of drainage using a slit lamp and a special lens
- Nerve Fiber Test: Assessment of the thickness of the optic nerve fibers
We'll Find the Right Treatment for You Request a Consultation
Our eye doctors can help find the treatment that's right for you, based on how far your glaucoma has progressed and other factors contributing to your eye health. Whether you need a non-surgical or surgical solution, our team can help you manage your glaucoma symptoms effectively. Call or contact us online to meet our ophthalmologists at our St. Louis, MO, practice:
(314) 361-5003
Dr. Buscher Makes Patients Happy
"Excellent eye care for many years and Dr Buchser works diligently to minimize sight loss due to my glaucoma."
— Marilyn, 5-Star Review
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Whether you are suffering from primary open-angle glaucoma or a more urgent form of the eye disease, we are prepared to provide the treatment you need.
Get in touch with Cohen Eye Associates today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Glaucoma is known as the "silent thief of sight" because in many cases, sufferers have no indication of the condition until they have experienced a permanent compromise in their vision. Your absolute best defense against glaucoma is early detection. You can request a consultation online or give us a call.
How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?
Why Patients Trust Our Office
"For checkups, glasses and issues (like floaters), why go anywhere else than Cohen for your eyes? Still the best!"
— John, 5-Star Review
Reducing the Risk
Following these guidelines may lower your risk of developing glaucoma or experiencing any resulting vision loss:
Simply put, this is the single best way to prevent glaucoma from compromising your vision. Book an appointment with our St. Louis, MO, practice today if you aren't undergoing regular exams.
Smoking can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes, and cataracts. All of these conditions can increase the risk of glaucoma.
An active lifestyle is an excellent way to maintain good cardiovascular health, which can help prevent glaucoma.
Taking time to relax is good for your heart, which is in turn good for your ocular health.
Keeping your weight and blood pressure in check through a healthy diet is an excellent means of prevention.
If you are taking prescription medication for glaucoma, make certain you are using it as directed.
Book Your Exam Now
Whether you are experiencing changes in your vision or simply haven't undergone an exam in awhile, we want to help you maintain your ocular health. You can request a consultation online or call our offices directly to book an appointment.
FAQs About Treating Glaucoma in St. Louis, MO
Glaucoma is a complex condition, and there are many misconceptions about what it is and how it is treated. Dr. Buchser and Dr. Cohen believe patient education is essential to successful eye care, which is why they want to help you understand every aspect of this condition and how it affects you. Below, we have compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about primary open-angle glaucoma, closed-angle glaucoma, and other forms of the disease:
Do you recommend surgery?
Whenever it is safe to do so, we make conservative eye care treatment a priority. In other words, Dr. Buchser and Dr. Cohen will not recommend surgery unless your need is urgent or medications are not successful in controlling your IOP. During your eye exam, they will conduct a detailed assessment of your ocular health in order to determine the most effective and conservative approach to meeting your needs.
I'm not experiencing symptoms, but should I have a glaucoma exam?
If you are under age 40 and haven't been told you're at risk of glaucoma, it's a good idea to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every 5 to 10 years. Your doctor will test for glaucoma during this exam. Regardless of your ocular health, you should undergo a comprehensive exam at age 40. Based on the results of the exam, your doctor can recommend how often to undergo regular exams.Can glaucoma be cured?
Glaucoma is chronic, meaning it cannot be completely resolved. However, it can be controlled in a way that will minimize vision loss. This typically involves taking either oral meds or eye drops that can optimize intraocular pressure by improving the outflow of fluids from the eye. Healthy lifestyle practices such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and abstinence from tobacco can also help to delay the development of glaucoma or prevent it from compromising your vision.
Can I use cannabis to control my glaucoma?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn't recommend using cannabis as a treatment for glaucoma. However, glaucoma is a condition that qualifies for medical cannabis in Missouri. That means that if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you can register for a medical marijuana card and purchase cannabis. However, it is important to understand that cannabis doesn't come with recommended doses. As with any drug, it is best to consult a physician before you begin taking it. If you have questions about using medical cannabis as an open-angle glaucoma treatment, our doctors are open to having an honest discussion concerning the benefits, risks, and other aspects of this option.
Will I need surgery?
If you are diagnosed with closed-angle glaucoma and conservative treatments like topical and oral meds are not effective in maintaining healthy eye pressure, we can explore the possibility of surgery. This involves making alterations to the tissues of the eye or inserting a drainage device to improve the outflow of fluid and avoid high intraocular pressure. The results ultimately lower your risk of partial vision loss or blindness.
Is it always a matter of high intraocular pressure?
No. There is a condition called normal-pressure glaucoma in which IOP that would be considered normal causes damage to the optic nerve. To date, it is unknown what causes this condition or why a normal IOP would damage the optic nerve. Those who are most likely to develop normal-pressure glaucoma are those with a family history of the condition, people of Japanese descent, people with low blood pressure, and people with systemic heart disease.Do you recommend surgery?
Whenever it is safe to do so, we make conservative eye care treatment a priority. In other words, Dr. Buchser and Dr. Cohen will not recommend surgery unless your need is urgent or medications are not successful in controlling your IOP. During your eye exam, they will conduct a detailed assessment of your ocular health in order to determine the most effective and conservative approach to meeting your needs.
